A tragic and disturbing case unfolded in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a person allegedly stole and killed a lady’s 10-year-old pug after she informed him she now not wished to see him.
On January 5, 2024, police had been known as to a house in Butler County to research a housebreaking. When officers arrived, the lady residing there reported that nothing was lacking—besides her canine.
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She defined to police that the day earlier than, she had ended her friendship with a person named Joseph Hillard, whom she had met on a relationship app. She informed him she now not wished to see him as a result of he made her uncomfortable, and he or she was conscious that he suffered from psychological well being points.
Somewhat over every week later, police adopted a result in a house on Woodridge Highway, the place they spoke with Hillard’s dad and mom. Whereas they acknowledged their son’s psychological well being struggles and believed he was able to stealing the canine, they stated that they had no motive to suppose he had really carried out it.
Detectives quickly realized that Hillard had been staying with somebody at a house in Slippery Rock. After they arrived, he was there, however the canine was not. Hillard denied any involvement, and with out sufficient proof, the investigation stalled.
Over a 12 months handed with out solutions. Then, on January 25, 2025, Hillard shocked authorities by strolling into the Butler Metropolis Police Station and confessing. He admitted that he broke into the sufferer’s residence, stole her pug, and later killed it.
Based on the prison grievance, Hillard initially wished to return the canine, however as an alternative, he “started hitting it with rage” earlier than in the end taking it to the woods and killing it.
Earlier than leaving the police station, Hillard requested that officers inform the sufferer that he was the one accountable. In his written confession, he additionally expressed “apologies and condolences” to the lady and her household.
4 days later, police arrested Hillard and charged him with:
Housebreaking
Aggravated cruelty to animals
Tampering with proof
Theft of a movable merchandise
This case has sparked outrage and grief in the area people, elevating issues about animal cruelty legal guidelines and the necessity for stronger protections for pets. Authorities proceed to research as Hillard awaits trial.
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